Daily Times

KARACHI: In order to convert Gorakh Hill into advanced tourist’s spot, Sindh government has allocated Rs 2.5 billion, Daily Times has learnt.

Sindh government has also planned new schemes to uplift the tourist spot by introducing chairlift, up-gradation of accommodation and drinking water facilities, officials said.

Gorakh Hills Development Authority (GHDA) Director General Nazeer Hussain Jamali, “It is two years project to upgrade the spot and attract more tourists.” For instance, the accommodation facility which currently has been limited to eight rooms is being extended. Hopefully, 32 new huts would be added in ongoing financial year, he added.

Gorakh Hill is a high altitude 5,688 ft or 1,734 metres plateaus in Sindh fancied as a Hill Station. It is located in the Kirthar Mountains, around 93 kilometres north-west of Dadu city or approximately 500 kilometres from Karachi.

Gorakh Hill was first identified by the British rulers in 1860 to be developed into a hill station. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led government launched a project to develop Gorakh as hill resort in 1989.

According to Gorakh Hills Development Authority, it is estimated that around 2, 00,000 people visit the resort annually coming from different parts of country. A few numbers of foreigners also visit the location.

“Besides accommodation and recreational activities, drinking water availability would be enhanced from existing 50,000 litres to 1, 50,000 gallons of water.” DG Jamali informed.

According to official data, Gorakh’s elevation gives it a special climate, with sub-zero temperatures during winter and generally below 20°C in summer, with about 120 milimetres of average annual rainfall.

“Last month on a single day when Dadu faced above 50 degrees celsius temperature while Murree was bearing 37 degree celsius on the same day, temperature at Gorakh Hill was 23 degree celsius,” Jamali added.